The Kashmir Dialogues
Jammu, Aug 26, KNT: Continuous rainfall has triggered multiple landslides and incidents of shooting stones along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway, forcing authorities to suspend all vehicular movement. The highway has been rendered unsafe in several stretches, particularly in the Ramban district, where locations such as Mehar, Cafeteria Morh, and Panthyal remain among the worst affected.
Official sources told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the heavy downpour over the past 24 hours has loosened soil and rocks on steep mountain slopes, sending debris tumbling onto the carriageway and making travel hazardous.
Traffic police have urged the public to avoid the highway entirely until weather conditions improve and road clearance operations are completed. Crews from the National Highways Authority of India, supported by the district administration, have been working to remove debris, though no official timeline has been provided for reopening.
Meteorological reports indicate further rainfall is likely over the next two days, raising concerns about the possibility of additional landslides and localized flooding. Authorities have advised residents, transporters, and tourists to remain alert and to stay informed through official traffic advisories before making any travel plans. The closure has disrupted the movement of essential supplies as well. [KNT]
Sheikh Sameer
